Russian chess federation head accuses Ding of losing on purpose against Gukesh in World Championship 2024

The president of the Chess Federation of Russia, Andrei Filatov, accused China’s Ding Liren of losing the World Chess Championship 2024 on purpose against India’s D.Gukesh on Thursday.

Russian news agency  TASS quoted Filatov as saying that the result raises questions and that the International Chess Federation (FIDE) should open an investigation.

“The result of the last game caused bewilderment among professionals and chess fans. The actions of the Chinese chess player in the decisive segment are extremely suspicious and require a separate investigation by FIDE,” he said.

“Losing the position in which Ding Liren was is difficult even for a first-class player. The defeat of the Chinese chess player in today’s game raises a lot of questions and looks like a deliberate one,” he added.

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Gukesh became the youngest world champion in the sport after he trumped reigning champion Ding in the 14th round. The game was set for a draw before reigning champion Ding blundered in the 55th move, effectively gifting the game to his rival.

The Indian Grand Master had begun the championship on the back foot after he suffered a defeat in the opening round. But, Gukesh bounced back to level the final in the third round.

Gukesh took the lead in 11th round, only to lose the next game as Ding struck back. With the final looking destined for a tiebreaker, Gukesh capitalised on Ding’s mistake o make history.

Gukesh qualified for the World Championship after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.